The 10 best things to do in Vancouver

If you haven’t been to Vancouver yet, it’s time to add it to your list! Vancouver is such a picturesque city, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular tourist destination. Surrounded by mountains and lush temperate rainforest, you’ll want to spend lots of time outside in this beautiful city.

Here are the best things to see and do in Vancouver!

Stanley Park

Start your trip in Vancouver with a walk or cycle around Stanley park – it’s a must-see, and one of the best things to in Vancouver. It’s North America’s third-largest park, and there’s a 5.5-mile Seawall path along the water that surrounds the park’s perimeter. It’s a very scenic path, with beautiful water views. There’s also a lookout, called Prospect Point, where you can see some stunning views around Vancouver. There are a number of trails throughout the 1,000 acres of the park that you can explore, along with an aquarium, playgrounds, a pool and a nature centre.

Granville Island

Once an industrial site, Granville Island is now a destination where people come to browse the markets and shops there. Make sure you come hungry, as there are so many great places to eat! Try the bagels from Siegel’s Bagels, donuts from Lee’s Donuts, and croissants from Petit Ami. There’s also plenty of places to buy cheese, breads and meats to enjoy a picnic spread with. You can either walk to Granville Island, or catch an Aquabus. The Aquabus ride is nice and scenic.

Explore Gastown

One of the best places to stay in Vancouver is Gastown, Vancouver’s original downtown. It’s a trendy neighborhood that’s walking distance to Stanley park, Granville Island, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Grab some dinner at Nuba, then take an after-dinner walk to Mister Artisan Ice Cream for smores or a creme brûlée ice cream sandwich.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a short bus ride from Downtown Vancouver (the bus is free with your ticket). It offers some amazing views of the rainforest, and you’ll also be able to walk along the cliff walk and treetop walk. It’s very scenic, and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Grouse Mountain

Whether you’re visiting in winter or in summer, Grouse Mountain is worth a visit. In summer you can hike up the mountain (up 2,830 stairs), and in winter you can go ice skating or snowshoeing. The highlight is riding the gondola up and down the mountains for some amazing views of the city and ocean.

Bowen Island

Bowen Island is a great day trip from Vancouver, and it’s only a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. It’s a beautiful destination in the middle of Howe Sound. Have breakfast or lunch at The Snug Cafe before heading off on a hike. There are a few hiking trails close to Snug Cove where the ferry drops you off. If you’re wanting to do a couple of smaller hikes, try the Killarney Lake Loop trail (approx 2 -2.5 hours return) and the Dorman Point look-out trail (approx 40 min – 1 hour return). Both part of Crippen Regional Park.

Victoria Island

Home to the capital of British Columbia, Victoria Island is so picturesque, and is surrounded by mountain and ocean views. There’s so much to do in Victoria Island! Explore the museums, go whale watching and walk along Fisherman’s Wharf. Make sure you visit Butchart Gardens, a former quarry that Jennie Butchart transformed into a beautiful garden haven.

Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology is located on the traditional territory of the Musqueam people. Here you’ll find art by indigenous peoples from Canada and thousands of ethnographic objects and artifacts. It’s a great place to learn about the city’s history.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Located in a former rock quarry on Little Mountain, this beautiful city park is full of flower gardens and panoramic views over the city.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Walking distance from the Queen Elizabeth Park is the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which is definitely worth a visit. Here you’ll find over 7,500 plant species from around the world, along with a picturesque lake and a hedge maze made from 3,000 cedars.

Happy travels!